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To make a tasty sour cherry lemonade, gather these simple items: - 1 cup pitted sour cherries - 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 4-5 lemons) - 1 cup granulated sugar - 4 cups cold water - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Fresh mint leaves for garnish - Slices of lemon for garnish Sour cherries pack a punch of nutrients. They are rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals. This can support your overall health. Cherries also have anti-inflammatory properties. They may help reduce muscle soreness after a workout. Lemons bring fresh flavor and vitamin C. This vitamin boosts your immune system. It can also help your skin look bright and healthy. The sugar in this recipe adds sweetness, but you can adjust it to your liking. Using less sugar can make this drink even healthier. Feel free to get creative with your sour cherry lemonade! You can swap out sour cherries for sweet cherries if you want a milder taste. You might also try using limes instead of lemons for a zesty twist. For a fun flavor, add other fruits like raspberries or strawberries. If you're looking for a herbal note, mix in fresh basil or rosemary. These herbs can add a unique taste that enhances the cherry flavor. Don't hesitate to explore these variations to find your perfect drink! Start by making the sour cherry base. Take 1 cup of pitted sour cherries and put them in a blender. Add 1 cup of cold water. Blend this mix on high speed. You want it smooth and well mixed. This cherry base gives your drink a rich flavor. Next, you need to strain the cherry mixture. Grab a fine mesh strainer and place it over a pitcher. Pour the blended cherries through the strainer. Use a spatula to press the mix down. This helps you get all the juice. Throw away the leftover pulp. Now, you have smooth cherry juice. Add 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the pitcher. Pour in 3 more cups of cold water. Add 1 cup of granulated sugar next. Stir it all well until the sugar melts. Taste the mix and adjust the sweetness if needed. Now it's time to chill your lemonade. Put the pitcher in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This makes it nice and cold. You can also serve it right away over ice if you can't wait! When serving, fill glasses with ice. Pour in your sour cherry lemonade. Add fresh mint leaves and a lemon slice for a pretty touch. This makes your drink look and taste great! You can find the full recipe for more details on this refreshing drink. When sweetening your sour cherry lemonade, start with granulated sugar. This sugar dissolves well and works great in drinks. I often use one cup of sugar, but you can adjust it to your taste. If you want a healthier option, try honey or agave nectar. These natural sweeteners add a unique flavor. Always taste the lemonade as you sweeten. Add sugar slowly until you reach the right balance. For the best sour cherry lemonade, pick ripe sour cherries. Look for deep red cherries that are firm and glossy. You want cherries that are sweet but have a tart kick. Fresh cherries are always best, but frozen sour cherries work too. Just remember to let them thaw before blending. This will help you get a smooth cherry base for your drink. Herbs and spices can elevate your lemonade's taste. Fresh mint is a classic choice. It adds a refreshing twist that pairs well with sour cherries. You can also try basil for a unique flavor. Just muddle the herbs in the pitcher before adding the lemonade. A pinch of cinnamon or a splash of ginger can add warmth and depth. Experiment with these flavors to find your perfect blend! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. {{image_4}} You can add other fruits to your sour cherry lemonade for extra taste. Try mixing in sliced strawberries, raspberries, or even watermelon. Each fruit brings its own flavor, making your drink unique. You can also use peach or mango for a tropical twist. Just blend the fruits with the sour cherries and follow the same steps in the full recipe. Herbs can enhance the taste of your lemonade. Fresh mint is a classic choice, offering a cool note. Simply muddle some mint leaves before adding them to the drink. Basil is another great option, adding a sweet and slightly spicy kick. Just remember to add the herbs early in the process to let the flavors mix well. For a grown-up twist, you can add alcohol to your lemonade. Vodka or gin works well with the sour cherry flavor. A splash of sparkling wine can turn your drink into a fancy cocktail. This adds bubbles and a celebratory feel. Mix in the alcohol after chilling for the best taste. Enjoy your refreshing summer drink! If you have leftover sour cherry lemonade, store it in a pitcher. Use a tight lid to keep it fresh. This way, it stays cold and tasty. Place the pitcher in the fridge. Drink it within a week to enjoy the best flavor. Sour cherry lemonade lasts about 5 to 7 days in the fridge. The taste may change over time. If you notice the lemonade looks cloudy or smells off, it's best to throw it out. Always check for signs of spoilage before drinking. You can freeze cherry juice for later use. Pour the juice into ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This keeps the juice fresh for up to 6 months. Use the cubes in smoothies or to make more lemonade later. Sour cherry lemonade is a fruity drink made from tart sour cherries and fresh lemons. It combines sweet and tangy flavors, creating a refreshing beverage perfect for summer. This drink is vibrant and can brighten any gathering. I love how the tartness of the cherries balances the sweetness of sugar. Yes, you can use frozen sour cherries! They work well in this recipe. Just let them thaw a bit before blending. Frozen cherries still provide that nice tart flavor. They can make your lemonade just as tasty as fresh cherries. To make sour cherry lemonade without sugar, use a sugar substitute like honey or agave syrup. You can also try pureeing more cherries. This adds natural sweetness without added sugar. Just adjust the amount to match your taste. You can enjoy a healthier drink without losing flavor. You can find pre-made sour cherry lemonade at many grocery stores. Check the juice aisle or the refrigerated drink section. Local markets may also carry fresh versions. If you prefer homemade, check out my Full Recipe for a delightful option! We explored the key ingredients for making sour cherry lemonade, along with their benefits. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for sweetening, and flavor variations to try. Storing your lemonade properly can keep it fresh longer. Remember, experimenting with fruits and herbs can make your drink unique and tasty. Whether you prefer plain lemonade or a fun twist, enjoy making this refreshing drink your own.

Sour Cherry Lemonade

Quench your thirst this summer with a refreshing sour cherry lemonade delight! This easy recipe combines the tartness of pitted sour cherries and zesty lemon juice, balanced perfectly with sugar and a hint of vanilla. Perfect for hot days, this drink is both delicious and stunningly vibrant. Follow our step-by-step guide to make your own batch and wow your friends! Click to explore the full recipe and get ready to sip on something delightful!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup pitted sour cherries

1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 4-5 lemons)

1 cup granulated sugar

4 cups cold water

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Slices of lemon for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by preparing the sour cherry base. In a blender, combine the pitted sour cherries with 1 cup of cold water. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

    Next, strain the blended cherry mixture. Use a fine mesh strainer over a pitcher to pour the mixture through, using a spatula to press down and extract as much juice as possible. Discard the remaining pulp to leave you with a smooth cherry juice.

      Once you have your cherry juice, add the freshly squeezed lemon juice to the pitcher followed by the sugar and the remaining 3 cups of cold water. Stir vigorously until the sugar is completely dissolved, ensuring that the lemonade is sweetened to your taste.

        Enhance the flavors by adding the vanilla extract and stirring gently to combine. Take a moment to taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness, adding more sugar if preferred.

          Chill your delightful lemonade! Refrigerate the pitcher for at least 1 hour for a refreshing cold drink, or serve immediately by pouring it over ice for instant refreshment.

            To serve, pour the sour cherry lemonade into glasses filled with ice. Garnish each glass with fresh mint leaves and a slice of lemon for an extra pop of color and flavor.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour (includes chill time) | Servings: 6-8